The story of the BMWs:is getting stranger as time goes on. Key claims that there was no discussion on the purchase with Ministers. If so it was a major change from last time.
There was a big exercise done looking for suitable cars. Most of us were happy with the Fords though a few preferred Holdens. But the BMWs won the value test, on a whole of life basis mainly based on their fuel economy which is brilliant. There was a right of reorder built into the contract but no obligation. And the way they have gone moving to a four or even five year cycle would have been fine.
Apparently the new government has bought models with some vibration device in the seats.
I just don’t believe that the PM as Minister in Charge of Ministerial Services didn’t get a note on it. What I do believe is that he didn’t read it.
The Internal Affairs Department is responsible for a decision to provide the Government with brand new BMWs when the old ones were only three years-old, Prime Minister John Key says.
The Government is selling its three-year-old fleet of 34 luxury limos and replacing it with new BMWs, prompting criticism given that ministers are making cutbacks and telling others to save money.
The new cars sell commercially for about $200,000 each but the Government gets a discount for bulk buying. The actual cost is not being stated, for commercial reasons..”
All government expenses must be open to public view. This commercial reasons is a load of BS as it removes necessary information from the public preventing them from making rational decisions.
A waste of money.
Actually it is quite believable slackness, from Key et al.
I think it’s interesting that the Government recently introduced an ‘All-of-Government’ procurement program for govt agencies that forces them to procure vehicles solely through one of three approved suppliers – Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Toyota.
http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/Page____43956.aspx
So if those three manufacturers are good enough for govt departments to use, then why are BMWs being leased for Ministers?
And if it’s because BMW gave them a ‘good deal’ then why aren’t govt departments also allowed to negotiate ‘good deals’ with manufacturers outside of the three approved firms?
This from NBR:
A spokesman for Internal Affairs told NZPA there was no requirement to inform the Government about its decision to chose the option of buying new vehicles.
“It’s our contract, we administer it. Our assessment was it was the best value for money to replace the vehicles now and we got a good deal in the first place and we got a good deal now,” he said.
“This is just one of many contracts that the department administers on behalf of the Government and once the contract is in place the department simply administers it, our responsibility is to make sure we get good value for money.”
Link: http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/bmw-contract-good-value-internal-affairs-nn-86149
Did they get a ute for Gerry?
“There was a right of reorder built into the contract but no obligation.”
I’m unclear why TVNZ didn’t confirm this with Labour before running that story last night. It would have utterly nailed English on camera.
I’m unclear why TVNZ…
You get more mileage out of one story this way.
Flatbed trucks with industrial rated hoists for Brownlee and Bennett.
What is saved from the $400k cost of two BMWs is re-allocated to pies and pastries.
Annette King said on radio this morning it was a six year deal with a right to roll for a further 3 year term. She went on to say there was a guaranteed buyback from BMW and the current govt. Had no choice/decision to make.
This differs from your info Trevor, which one of you is right ?
Seeing the government got such a great deal from BMW last time, I am surprised they went ahead and purchased them. I would be very interested to see what they cost per vehicle. I assume they are getting the 74d? If so they get outstanding economy (Think Small hatchback). Are any of these BMW security vehicles?
Al1ens that is nasty & unbecoming of you. Play the ball, not the player…
This is a shambles for National. Should not have happened. Plain wrong…. that is unless Labour set them up in the first place!
If either of their obesity is caused by a medical condition, then I will make a formal statement of apology.
Of course, if their weight issues are caused by their own greed and glutony, then you’ll just have to do as they do with cream cakes and just suck it up.
There was an option to take up a new deal or not.
No-one has forced bill and john to buy 40+ cars at 200k a pop.
Are ministerial vehicles used for party activities? Would ministers be using them while they campaign?
@ David both
Of course not! Just happens that there was official Ministerial business in the right part of town at the right time
“No-one has forced bill and john to buy 40+ cars at 200k a pop.”
They were purchased for $69,900 (est). They will be sold (I believe back to the supplier) for not much less. It could actually cost them more by keeping them because of the extremely low cost.
Could be a good time to by a used beemer.
Trevor.
On Jim-National-Party-Voice-Mora’s Panel this afternoon, Don Donovan levelled two accusations at the previous Labour administration.
- BMW’s this was a direct result of a contract that Labour set up. This government is bound by that.
- and they are going to cost about the same as it costs per year for the Sky Hawks that the Labour Party parked up.
Unless you get your message to the contrary across (and don’t dress it with spin) people like Donovan are going to carry the day, and English and Key will come out smelling of roses.
What is the truth as you understand it? Spell it out loud and clear.
I remember one of Keys early decisions overturned Clarks ’self drive’ policy which only allowed those cars to be used in the ministers electorate.
What that means in practice is that the ministers partner gets a tax payer funded car in Wellington. Whereas before the minister would use it only when at home.
This was another decision which was changed soley to advantage the Great Double Dipper from Dipton
Sorry mate, you can’t buy a decent Volvo for that price. You are a dreamer.
Just to get some clarification, Trevor agrees with David above that Annette King was right when she “said on radio this morning it was a six year deal with a right to roll for a further 3 year term. provide evidence trevorSo the issue according to Trevor isn’t that the government is replacing the cars but that they are either telling lies or being slack about how they have handled the process??
Both. The three years was within the six – it was an option not a requirement.
“David says:
February 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Annette King said on radio this morning it was a six year deal with a right to roll for a further 3 year term. She went on to say there was a guaranteed buyback from BMW and the current govt. Had no choice/decision to make.
This differs from your info Trevor, which one of you is right ?”
” Trevor Mallard says:
February 16, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@ David both”
RichardX – I dont understand your point?
I heard Bill English say that the govt had no option but to buy them because of a previous deal with Labour.
MIA says that si not true.
You are trying to make a liar of Trevor, but not the PM or MOF?